The sky was calm. The academy grounds were quieter than usual after the world lecture series.
Most students were busy digesting the fact that seven powerful forces could destroy civilization if someone sneezed in the wrong direction.
Kael Vaelthorn?
He was sitting cross-legged on the grass outside Dorm Building C, folding laundry.
Not because he was forced to.
Not because it was some form of training.
Because someone stole his spare uniform during last week's sparring event… and now everything had to be washed and rotated perfectly.
He held up a damp sleeve. "Still smells like that griffin roast from the ceremony…"
Lyra sat nearby, sipping tea. "You know, most people wouldn't take laundry this seriously."
Kael looked at her flatly. "Most people don't want to walk into a demon invasion with a mustard stain."
She blinked. "Valid."
---
Meanwhile, On the Academy Balcony…
Instructor Rehlan and Headmaster Varnes stood behind a one-way enchantment glass, watching Kael.
Varnes squinted. "What… is he doing?"
Rehlan didn't blink. "He's cleansing the cloth of mundane impurities. A metaphor for shedding worldly ties."
"…He's folding socks."
"He's strategically aligning resource conduits," Rehlan corrected. "Notice the order—dark garments first. He's preparing for a nocturnal operation. Possibly reconnaissance."
Varnes stared harder. "That's a hoodie."
"Shadow armor."
"…And the towel?"
"A mana-absorbent barrier cloth. Rare. Possibly ancient."
Varnes muttered, "I swear, if this kid sneezes and someone declares war again…"
---
Back on the Lawn
Kael finally finished his precise, mildly obsessive laundry cycle and stacked everything neatly into his personal storage charm.
Then, trouble began—as usual.
A loud voice echoed through the academy speaker crystals:
"Urgent challenge match: Team Arveth (Second Years) has issued an open duel to any First-Year duo! Report to the training arena in thirty minutes!"
Lyra groaned. "Ugh, not them again. That sword freak keeps challenging people and calling it 'training.'"
Kael didn't move. "Ignore them."
"They called out our class, Kael. You are technically the top-ranked first-year."
"I was asleep when they ranked us."
"Well, they ranked your win during the Azure Clash. You accidentally beat two third-years and a summoned golem. While yawning."
Kael rubbed his temples. "I tripped. The golem exploded. It wasn't my fault."
Lyra's grin widened. "And that's why they're terrified."
---
Training Arena – Thirty Minutes Later
Crowds gathered quickly.
The duel ring shimmered with golden containment barriers. Students sat on raised platforms. Betting began before Kael even entered.
Team Arveth—two second-years dressed in polished enchanted gear—stood in the center.
"Where's that arrogant first-year?" one of them yelled. "Did he run off?"
Kael entered. Slowly. Lazily. Holding a paper cup of lukewarm tea.
"I'm here," he said flatly. "Let's make this fast."
The other student—a wind mage—sneered. "You think this is a joke?"
Kael sipped. "A little."
---
Match Start
As the signal flared, the sword fighter charged first—burning aura trailing his blade.
Kael blinked.
He sidestepped once.
The fighter tripped over Kael's foot, flipped midair, and slammed into the barrier wall. Unconscious.
Silence.
The wind mage hesitated. Cast a tornado.
Kael raised his hand instinctively to block the tea from spilling. The mana in his sleeve reacted—his enchanted hoodie absorbed the blast.
The wind reflected—slightly. The mage was blown backward. Onto his teammate.
Match over.
---
The announcer paused, confused.
"U-Uh… Victory goes to Kael Vaelthorn. By… impeccable defense?"
The crowd burst into confused cheers.
Lyra from the stands: "That wasn't even an attack!"
One upper-year whispered, "He's unreadable. Truly dangerous. That tea cup… must be enchanted."
Another student: "His patience… his timing… perfection."
Kael left the ring, still sipping.
"Waste of tea."
---
That Evening – Secret Society Observation Post
A cloaked Shadow Envoy scribbled into a black tome.
> Target: Kael Vaelthorn
• Deflected Tier-B wind magic using passive garment shift. • Subdued enhanced swordsman via advanced redirection technique (code: Still Step). • Maintained control over sacred relic (code: Silent Cup). • Strategy rating: Unfathomable. • Emotional response: Absent. Possibly suppressing god-tier power.
Conclusion: Movement aligns with ancient prophecy. Observation continues.
---
Meanwhile, Kael in His Dorm Room
He changed into his backup shirt.
Took another sip of lukewarm tea.
Then looked out the window.
"Why does everything feel like it's spiraling again?"
Lyra shouted from the hallway. "Hey, a noble heir just challenged you to a duel for disrespecting wind magic!"
Kael groaned.
"I'm putting on headphones."
---
End of Chapter 31